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Common Bulb Flowers

By Katherine Kally; Updated September 21, 2017

Bulb flowers are among the most beautiful and fragrant of flowers to grow in your garden. Common bulb flowers encompass several types of growth systems, including rhizomes, tubers, corms, true bulbs and tuberous roots. Each type of bulb flowers spring from growth structures under the ground that provide nutrients and energy.

Tulips

Blooming in the spring, tulips are hardy bulbs that should be planted in the late fall or early winter. Select from a variety of colors, sizes and flowering types. Varieties include Single Earlies, Double Earlies, Darwins, Lily-Flowered, Cottage, Species, Late Doubles and Parrots.

Daffodils

Daffodils bloom in the early spring. Like tulips, plant daffodil bulbs in the late fall or early winter. There are over 50 species of daffodils and hybrids available, with the most common shade being yellow. All daffodils have a trumpet-shaped corona in the center surrounded by a ring of petals.

Lilies

Lilies bloom from May to October, depending on the species. Daylilies such as Stella Dora begin blooming in mid-May, and tall canna lilies bloom through September in warmer climates. Asiatic lilies have a distinctively aromatic fragrance as they bloom during June and July. Calla lilies have cone-shaped blossoms that begin blooming in the late spring. Some lilies, like calla, are tender bulbs, while most others are hardy bulbs. Tender bulbs must be protected in the winter for maximum viability.

Dahlias

Dahlias are hardy in Zones 7 to 11, but they grow from tender bulbs. In all but the warmest climates, it is necessary to dig up dahlia bulbs and store them over winter. The tender bulbs may be planted again the following spring, after any chance of frost has passed. Dahlias are available in shades of yellow, white, pink, orange and purple.

Gladiolus

Gladioli are common bulb flowers with spiky blossom-filled stems that bloom during the middle of the summer. A favorite cut flower among gardeners, gladioli grow up to 6 feet tall in colors such as apricot, yellow, red and purple. Plant gladioli corms after the last frost in the spring. These tender bulbs should be protected during harsh winter months.

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About the Author

Katherine Kally is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly home-improvement projects, practical craft ideas and cost-effective decorating solutions. Kally's work has been featured on sites across the Web. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of South Carolina and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.